Fictional Memoir Part III: The Art of Embellishment

The Diary of... Her: A Fictional Memoir Part III.

by Shaquila Smith

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	393 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	129 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In the first two installments of our series on fictional memoir, we discussed the importance of authenticity and the challenges of writing about real-life events. In this final installment, we'll explore the art of embellishment.

Embellishment is the act of adding details to a story to make it more interesting or engaging. It can be used to create a more vivid setting, to develop characters more fully, or to add suspense or excitement to a plot.

There are many different ways to embellish a story. Some common techniques include:

• Adding sensory details. This can help to create a more vivid setting and to make the reader feel like they are actually there.
• Developing characters more fully. This can be done by adding details about their appearance, personality, and backstory.
• Adding suspense or excitement to a plot. This can be done by adding obstacles or challenges to the protagonist's path, or by creating a sense of danger or urgency.

It's important to use embellishment sparingly. Too much embellishment can make a story seem fake or unbelievable. The key is to find a balance between adding enough detail to make the story engaging and keeping it grounded in reality.

Here are a few tips for using embellishment effectively:

• Be true to the spirit of the story. Don't add details that contradict the story's overall message or tone.
• Be consistent. Once you've added a detail, be sure to use it consistently throughout the story.
• Be selective. Don't overwhelm the reader with too much detail. Choose the most important details and use them sparingly.

Embellishment can be a powerful tool for enhancing a fictional memoir. When used effectively, it can help to create a more vivid, engaging, and memorable story.

Examples of Embellishment in Fictional Memoir

Here are a few examples of how embellishment has been used effectively in fictional memoir:

• In her memoir The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls uses embellishment to create a more vivid and engaging setting. She describes her family's home as a "glass castle," even though it was actually a dilapidated shack.
• In his memoir Running with Scissors, Augusten Burroughs uses embellishment to develop his characters more fully. He describes his adoptive mother as a "crazy woman," even though she was actually a loving and supportive parent.
• In her memoir The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot uses embellishment to add suspense and excitement to a plot. She describes Henrietta Lacks's cancer cells as "immortal," even though they actually died after a few months.

These are just a few examples of how embellishment can be used effectively in fictional memoir. When used sparingly and judiciously, embellishment can help to create a more vivid, engaging, and memorable story.

The Diary of... Her: A Fictional Memoir Part III.

by Shaquila Smith

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	393 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	129 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE